Vasily Podkolzin's hot start to his AHL season came to a terrifying halt on Wednesday.
The Vancouver Canucks prospect had five goals in five games heading into Wednesday's game against the Colorado Eagles. Podkolzin picked up an assist on a first-period goal by Arshdeep Bains but left the game in the third period.
Podkolzin took a hit along the boards from Eagles defenceman Keaton Middleton, who threw him down violently, causing him to hit his head on the ice.
Multiple eyewitnesses say they saw Podkolzin convulsing after the hit and medical staff took him off the ice on a stretcher. He was reportedly alert and lifted his head as he left the ice.
Middleton received a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct. The defenceman appeared to slewfoot Podkolzin while pitchforking him to the ice, a dangerous action that is not a typical hockey hit.
The Abbotsford Canucks gave an update via social media saying Podkolzin was taken to a local hospital and continues to be alert and responsive.
Podkolzin himself shared a message via his Instagram Story, smiling in his hospital gown with the text, "All good, no worries!!"
While nothing is definite until an official diagnosis, it is almost certain that Podkolzin suffered a concussion based on the hit to the head and the description of his behaviour after the fall to the ice.
Podkolzin previously suffered a concussion in 2021 while in the KHL.
